Manx Care is set to reinstate its shingles vaccination programme in January, following its suspension in April of the previous year.
The pause was prompted by recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to adopt a new vaccine, revise eligibility criteria, and adjust the dosage.
Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian explained that the suspension was due to the new vaccine’s significantly higher cost. However, she confirmed that the programme would resume with additional funding from the department’s existing budget. Christian told the House of Keys that the programme would be operational by the end of January, and plans were underway to inform patients with further details.
The Public Health Directorate had anticipated a 40% uptake in the service, with eligible individuals including those over 65 and those aged 50 and above with weakened immune systems.
Jason Moorhouse MHK raised concerns about how many people had missed out on the vaccine due to the pause, while former health minister Lawrie Hooper inquired about the long-term funding for the programme.
Christian responded that public health estimated around 3,000 individuals were affected by the pause, although not all would have opted for the vaccine. She noted that the additional funding for the new vaccine was provided annually, and the department was assessing future costs for the programme.
